Reps. Sires and Rooney Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Reaffirming Congress’ Support for the Nicaraguan People and Condemning Ortega’s Human Rights Violations

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Chairman Albio Sires (D-NJ) and Ranking Member Francis Rooney (R-FL) of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Civilian Security, and Trade, introduced a resolution supporting Nicaraguan civil society, condemning the Ortega government’s continued violations of human rights, and calling for increased international pressure to promote respect for democratic principles in Nicaragua:

“Since last April, President Ortega and his security forces have tortured and killed hundreds of peaceful protesters and dissidents, violating human rights with impunity,” said Congressman Sires. “These officials must be held accountable. Until the Ortega regime ceases its abuses, releases all political prisoners, and implements meaningful electoral reforms, the United States should apply increased pressure and impose additional sanctions against targeted officials. My colleagues and I believe the Nicaraguan people deserve far better than this; we stand in support of their effort to reclaim their fundamental rights and freedoms.”

“I am proud to stand with the brave people of Nicaragua who continue their struggle for democracy against the Ortega regime,” said Congressman Rooney. “This bipartisan resolution condemns the atrocious violations of human rights committed by the Ortega regime, supports the actions taken by the Administration to hold them accountable, urges additional sanctions, and supports the courageous and peaceful efforts of the Nicaraguan people. It also calls on the international community to take actions to hold the regime accountable. The United States will always stand for freedom and will continue to push for free and fair elections and defend the human rights of the Nicaraguan people.”

Also joining the resolution as original cosponsors are: Reps. Donna Shalala (D-FL), Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D-FL), Dean Phillips (D-MN), Tony Cárdenas (D-CA), Jim Costa (D-CA), Federica Wilson (D-FL), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Michael McCaul (R-TX), Ted Yoho (R-FL), Michael Guest (R-MS), Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colón(R-PR), and Chris Smith (R-NJ).

The full text of the resolution can be found here